Bushmills Black Bush

Description

Bushmills Black Bush Bottling Note

Bushmills Black Bush is a blended Irish whiskey produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, renowned as the world’s oldest licensed distillery, dating back to 1608.

This expression is distinguished by its unusually high malt content—over 80% single malt—making it one of the richest blends in the Bushmills portfolio. The malt component is matured for up to seven years in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels, lending depth and complexity to the final spirit. The grain whiskey used in the blend is lighter in character, balancing the richness of the sherried malt.

Triple distilled using traditional copper pot stills, Black Bush reflects Bushmills’ commitment to smoothness and clarity. The distillery uses 100% Irish barley, all non-peated, and sources water from Saint Columb’s Rill, a local spring that feeds into the River Bush. The result is a whiskey with a rounded profile and a darker hue than its sibling, Bushmills Original.

Black Bush was first introduced in the mid-20th century and has remained a consistent presence in the Irish whiskey landscape. Bottled at 40% ABV, it continues to be recognised for its full-bodied character and sherry cask influence, offering a distinct alternative to lighter blends within the category.

Bushmills Black Bush Tasting Note

Nose: A richer profile with a pronounced sherry influence, displaying notes of dried fruits such as raisins and figs. Subtle hints of toasted nuts and a core of sweet malted barley are present.

Palate: Exceptionally smooth and full-bodied. An initial sweetness of dried fruit cake leads into warming spices, nutty toffee, and dark chocolate. The high malt content provides excellent depth of flavour.

Finish: Medium to long duration. A satisfying warmth accompanied by a gentle, lingering dryness from the oak and a final trace of sweet Oloroso sherry.

Overall: A superior blended whiskey offering excellent complexity and richness due to the sherry cask maturation. It presents a significantly deeper and more rewarding profile than standard blends.